The term "The Two Prophets" is most commonly associated with the "two witnesses" described in the Book of Revelation, chapter 11. These figures play a significant role in eschatological events, as depicted in the apocalyptic literature of the New Testament. The identity and mission of these two prophets have been the subject of much theological discussion and interpretation.

Biblical Account:

The primary scriptural reference to the two prophets is found in Revelation 11:3-12. According to the Berean Standard Bible , the passage states:

"And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth." (Revelation 11:3)

These two witnesses are described as prophesying for a period of 1,260 days, which is often interpreted as three and a half years. They are clothed in sackcloth, a traditional symbol of mourning and repentance, indicating the somber nature of their message.

The passage continues to describe the power and authority given to these prophets:

"These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth." (Revelation 11:4)

This imagery of olive trees and lampstands is reminiscent of the vision in Zechariah 4, where two olive trees supply oil to a lampstand, symbolizing the Spirit's anointing and continuous provision. The two prophets are thus seen as divinely appointed and empowered to carry out their mission.

Mission and Miracles:

The two prophets are granted the ability to perform miraculous signs as part of their testimony:

"If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die." (Revelation 11:5)

"They have authority to shut the sky so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish." (Revelation 11:6)

These miraculous powers echo the ministries of Old Testament prophets like Elijah, who called down fire from heaven and shut the sky (1 Kings 17:1; 2 Kings 1:10), and Moses, who turned water into blood and brought plagues upon Egypt (Exodus 7-11).

Death and Resurrection:

The narrative in Revelation 11 describes the eventual martyrdom of the two prophets:

"When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the abyss will wage war with them, and will overpower and kill them." (Revelation 11:7)

Their bodies are left unburied in the streets of the great city, symbolically called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. This public display of their death is met with rejoicing by those who dwell on the earth, as the prophets had tormented them with their message and miracles.

However, the account does not end with their death:

"But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell upon those who saw them." (Revelation 11:11)

The resurrection of the two prophets serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and the ultimate vindication of His messengers. They are then called up to heaven in a cloud, witnessed by their enemies.

Interpretations and Identity:

The identity of the two prophets has been a topic of much speculation and debate. Some interpretations suggest they represent historical figures such as Moses and Elijah, due to the nature of their miracles and the transfiguration account (Matthew 17:1-3). Others propose they symbolize the Law and the Prophets, or the Church's prophetic witness throughout history.

In a broader theological context, the two prophets are seen as embodying the faithful witness of God's people in the face of persecution and opposition, emphasizing the themes of testimony, judgment, and divine vindication that run throughout the Book of Revelation.